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1. This is football's version of the Irresistible Force meeting the Immovable Object.

The Saints ranked second in the league in scoring, averaging 34.2 points a game; the 49ers ranked second in fewest points allowed, surrendering an average of 14.3 a game.

The Saints had just 19 giveaways, tying for fourth-fewest; the 49ers tied for first in takeaways, with 38.

The Saints ranked sixth in rushing, averaging 132.9 yards a game; the 49ers were No. 1 against the run, surrendering just 77.2 yards a game. They also did not allow a rushing touchdown in their first 13 games.

Stated another way: Something has to give.

The Saints, winners of nine in a row, have scored at least 42 points in each of their last four games, including a 45-28 win over the Lions last weekend. Drew Brees has been particularly lethal since mid-December, throwing for 17 scores with only three interceptions in his last four games. If San Francisco focuses too heavily on him, however, it could create running lanes for the Saints' backs, who gained 167 yards and had three scores against the Lions.

San Francisco, led by end Justin Smith and linebackers Patrick Willis and Navorro Bowman, has been excellent against the run, and if that carries into Saturday's game, the Niners will need to get to Brees when he's in obvious passing situations. The Saints allowed just 24 sacks, tying for second-fewest in the league. That protection allowed Brees to complete 71.2 percent of his passes for a league-record 5,476 yards and 46 touchdowns.

The 49ers were 16th against the pass, allowing 230.9 yards a game, but they tied for second with 23 interceptions. Brees threw 14 picks during the season and saw the Lions drop at least two easy interceptions last week. So there could be opportunities for takeaways.


Read more: Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints look to prove they can win outdoors vs. 49ers - Jim Trotter - SI.com

SloMotion

..... football and physics ..... I like!

go Saints.

saintsfan1976

16 - 13 New Orleans

pumpkindriver

The one thing thats rarely talked about is whether or not the 9ers O line can protect Smith. I don't think they can, and while it was a preseason game, we did sack him a bunch of times. As good as their D is, their O is anemic and we should hold them to around 20-23 points at the most. The way our O has been playing I don't see their D holding us to under 30.
Saints-31
Niners-23

saintfan

If we have success slowing their run game, and I mean slowing - we don't necessarily have to stop it altogether - then Smith is in for a very long day.

QBREES9

Saints 28 - 17 49ers

Mardigras9

The Saints just have to play their game and limit mistakes. The rest will take care of itself.

Style

Saints 45
9nrs 14
I really don't believe this game will be as close as everyone is saying.
If you look at San Frans schedule they really only played one team with a good running offense, that is the ravens. None of them have the pass offense that we do. I believe San Fran is in for a long day. They have not faced a team like this!

iceshack149

Gore's a great RB but here's how some of the better RB's have played against the Saints recently.

Michael Turner 11 for 39yds

Jacquizz Rodgers 1 for -1yds

Chris Johnson 11 for 23yds

Adrian Peterson 10 for 60yds

Toby Gerhart 2 for 12yds

Stats found on Official Site of the New Orleans Saints

This game doesn't scare me. Good for Alex Smith being the game manager of the year but this is the divisional round of the playoffs. He is an average QB going against the best QB in the league.

WHO_DAT_CAT

I think the Saints talent, experience in the playoffs, their great coaching/game planning, their relative health for this time of the year, their years together as a winning unit, as well as, their experience playing in Candle Stick last year will give them the edge.